2013 Late Winter Habitat Conditions in Canada

Provided by Ducks Unlimited Canada

MANITOBA

Given the current snowpack, wetland conditions are expected to improve this spring. At the time of this report, a major winter storm is adding to that snowpack across southwest areas.
The Killarney Pothole Region, as wellas the majority of the Virden Landscape, have received average to slightly-above average precipitation this winter. The Minnedosa/Shoal Lake Pothole Region has received above-average snowfall, with an increase in accumulations in the northwest corner of this range.

The northern reaches of the Virden Landscape are also reporting above-average accumulations. Temperatures haven’t varied far from normal, and forecasts indicate that spring won’t arrive early, which should bode well for a quicker late-March runoff to further benefit wetlands. A good snowpack persists throughout the southwest Parkland, and fields remain 100 per cent covered. One slight offset to the favorable snowpack stems from the the less-than- favourable fall soil moisture conditions. This could limit the duration of ephemeral and temporary basins, depending on climatic variables over the next month. A late, quick melt and additional spring precipitation will help secure good spring conditions. Seasonal and semi-permanent basins are experiencing a great snow catch, which will provide good habitat for arriving pairs.

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